KWDM, "88.7 KWDM The Point," is a modern rock high school radio station serving the Des Moines, Iowa area on 88.7 FM. The radio station's studio is located at Valley High School in West Des Moines. It is owned and operated by the West Des Moines Community School District and is operated by students at Valley under the direction of a staff advisor. History On October 1, 1976, the West Des Moines Community School District signed KWDM on the air at 88.9 MHz. The KWDM call letters had previously been used on two commercial stations in Des Moines, 1150 AM (now KWKY) and 93.3 FM (now KIOA), under the ownership of George Webber. In 1994, KWDM's frequency was migrated from 88.9 FM to 88.7 FM and its power increased from 10 watts ERP to 100 watts. The station is one of two high school radio stations in Iowa, the other being KDPS operated by Des Moines Public Schools. Programming KWDM's student staff dictate what format the station will play. Students have the option to change the format at the beginning of any school year. In the late 1970s and through much of the 1980s, the station played a free-form format where the on-air jock played the music of their choice. In the early 1990s, the station was a strictly classic rock format. In 1993, the station began playing the popular Alternative or Modern Rock format. In 1999, KWDM began to experiment with a switch to CHR/Top 40 music. The move was abandoned after IHeartMedia, Inc. owned KKDM switched formats from Alternative to Top 40. The station continues to play the Modern Rock format today. Student management One of KWDM's hallmarks is its student management. While a faculty advisor oversees operations and is responsible for regulatory and engineering issues, students are predominantly responsible for the station's programming and music selection. One student (In most cases) is selected each year through a competitive application process to serve as station manager. KWDM alums in broadcasting In the more than 30 years that the West Des Moines School District has owned KWDM, many of the station's alumni have gone on to careers in the radio and television industry. Current Shows and Information Current broadcasts expected to change due to seniors leaving. The Morning Show: News, Weather, Traffic and a great way to start any morning on the way to work or school. The Mankle